8 plain-English guides on consultative exams, written from public Social Security Administration sources: SSA.gov, the Listing of Impairments, POMS and 20 CFR. Every figure carries the year it applies to, because these rules change and an undated number is worse than no number. Start anywhere in the list below, or use the navigation above to move to a different stage of the process.
- Can You Bring a Chaperone to an SSA Consultative Exam?
Find out if you can bring a companion or chaperone to an SSA consultative exam, rules for physical and psychological visits, and waiting room policies.
- Consultative Exam Travel and Mileage Reimbursement
Learn how SSA and state DDS agencies handle allowable travel expenses for consultative examinations, including mileage, transportation, documentation, and reimbursement requests.
- Why SSA Scheduled a Consultative Examination
Learn why Social Security schedules a consultative exam for SSDI claims, how DDS sends the notice, and how travel reimbursement works under SSA regulations.
- How to Contact Your Assigned DDS Disability Examiner
Learn how to find your assigned DDS disability examiner phone number, identify unit codes on state letters, and reach them for timely SSDI claim updates.
- When the Disability Examiner Calls You
What to expect when a state disability examiner calls about your SSDI claim, why returning calls promptly matters, what they ask, and how to prepare.
- Missed a Consultative Exam? What to Do Next
Missed a consultative exam for your SSDI claim? Learn the steps to call DDS, document good cause, reschedule, and keep your pending application alive.
- How to Request a Copy of Your Consultative Exam Report
Learn how to request access to an SSA consultative examination report, understand sensitive-record procedures, and review the report for inaccuracies.
- What to Do If You Must Reschedule a Consultative Exam
Discover how to reschedule an SSA consultative exam with Disability Determination Services, valid good-cause reasons, notice timelines, and who to call.